Home Care Service Agreements

When preparing an agreement, ask yourself what any care task means. For example, define „personal care“: does it include bathing, dressing, dental hygiene? If you define the care tasks and the time allotted, the result will be a more realistic assessment of care. You don`t necessarily need to hire a lawyer, but it may be advisable to enter into a contract. It depends on your circumstances and the complexity of an agreement that requires your family. If you are considering a pre-paid lump sum care contract, you should contact a lawyer. A contract is complex and it is more difficult to compensate for the „fair market“ in the value of care services. A monthly or bi-per-month salary for care services is easier to follow, especially for medical purposes. If you are not satisfied with these transactions, speak to a lawyer to avoid conflicts later. In the case of a contract with a family member, it is advisable to consider the agreement as a legal document. If your parent receives state-subsidized home care, the agreement will show the state where the money is going and what kind of services it is for. In addition, a care agreement can compensate for potential confusion among family members concerned about heirs` bequests and subsequently avoid misunderstandings about the reduction of money that may be hereditary. When drawing up an agreement, it will be specified for a family what tasks are to be expected in return for declared compensation.

This can help avoid family conflicts over who needs care and the amount of money that will change ownership. This is why the agreement should be discussed with other family members in order to resolve any potential problems before an agreement is reached. Consider creating an „escape clause“ in case one of the parties wishes to terminate the contract. Use a term such as „this agreement remains in effect until it is terminated in writing by both parties.“ Consider a provision that „jumps“ into action if the caregiver becomes ill or wants time off. Is there a security guard who can intervene temporarily? A stressful conversation for each family is what happens to money when a parent gets sick, and who will serve as the primary caretaker. One method of discussing difficult topics is to hold a family reunion. The team of monitors meets in a comfortable place, seated at a table and able to accommodate the documents discussed. (Using technologies such as Skype can help involve family members who live far away.) A well-organized meeting can provide family members with common support and a better understanding of the decisions to be made. When planning the family reunion, it is important to include all necessary members. The question is whether the caregiver will participate.

If your loved one has a cognitive disease (e.g. Alzheimer`s disease or other dementia), ask if he or she has the ability to understand the discussion and if it is likely to interfere. Are there „hot button“ topics that are not discussed in their presence? How important is it for them to participate in decisions made on their behalf? Participation in all or part of the meeting may allow the caregiver to build confidence in the care team. This may help to cooperate later if tougher decisions are to be made. Many families reach a point where they realize that a sick or elderly relative needs help. There are usually warning signs: difficulties with daily activities; Storage problems banking and financial problems; Several falls; Driving problems I forgot the meds. Sometimes an elderly or sick person needs more than occasional help – they need full-time care.